One week ago today we buried my mother. Sherri did an excellent job of remembering and celebrating her life. There was laughter. There were tears. Many friends gathered that morning or had come to visit or call the night before. So many people expressing their love and respect for my mother or for our family.

One month ago we were told my mother's condition was greatly improved. Her labs were within normal range. She would be monitored and have maintenance therapy. So you can imagine the shock when she took a sudden and extreme turn for the worse. Once she took that turn it began a racing downward spiral.

In the two weeks prior to her death, Mother was able to see all of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also got to see many other family members and friends.

The memories many have shared with us have been comforting. The love her sisters showed in her final days should inspire us all. I post this photo to remind us all of the true love shared for over six decades.

The example of the marriage that my parents set really set a high standard. I do not claim it to be perfect. I imagine they had passed some of the hardest struggles by the time I came along. The years I witnessed were probably the ones after they had established the bonds of coming through difficult times and emerging stronger on the other side. (I do not know of any specific problems, but I cannot imagine that having 3 children in 3 years didn't create a little conflict.) I have often said that I never remarried because it was hard to imagine anyone working hard enough to meet the standard set by my parents' example. (and I had not found anyone who could take care of me as well as my parents have all of these years)

I may keep a copy of this photo to use when I counsel couples before they marry. Are you willing to sit with this person day and night, never leaving their side? Will you hold their hand will they are sick?

When you wonder why I take marriage so seriously that I will not enter into it without much consideration, remember this picture and the love in which I was raised.

And as one friend pointed out - this is a beautiful picture of a true love between two humans. Imagine how much more God loves us.

Love to you all.